Those Audioengines look really nice, always wanted bookshelf speakers I didn't have to amp separately. I don't think i'll be in a situation where I could make full use of them for a while, so my Klipsch 2.1 will do for now.

The Audioengines look like a much better buy, plus you have the option of adding a sub to it later which would be the selling point for me.

I bought the BX5 D2's for exactly that reason. They are my first set of decent speakers but I think they are great. I only have my Audiotechnica ATH-M50s to compare to but the BX5's are definitely more neutral and clear. I am really impressed with them. Go to Guitar Center and have a listen.

It's easier to use a sub with passive speakers and an amp than with active speakers. You don't need a sub-out either. You can send the signal from the amplifier through the subwoofer's crossover, and then directly to the passive speakers.

IMO Passive speakers + amplifiers will typically be better than active ones of the same price. The Energy RC-10 is great for the price.

For around $300, I believe passives are typically better. If you could point me to a nice sounding pair of actives for around that price that sound better than the RC10 with a Topping amp, I'd be happy to look more into them.

Of course most subs are active, think about how much power a nice one requires. Using passives with a subwoofer is easier because you can amplify the signal and then take advantage of the subwoofer's built-in crossover for use with bookshelves. At the OP's price range, he's probably not looking into an external crossover.

I'm still of the opinion that the someone focused on amplifiers will design the best amp someday, and someone else focused on speakers will build the best speaker some other day, and the likelihood of both happening under one roof is not as likely as it happening in multiple companies. But that's all theoretical, and I digress.

Can you please recommend a set of speakers for about $300 then? The RC10 and a basic T-amp will sound good, but if you know better, congratulations to the OP.

I agree that the whole system needs to be evaluated for the best sound, but this mindset is only kicks in after a certain point. For example, I don't think you will find an active system that sounds better than a Lepai TA2020 and Sony SS-B1000 for under $100. At these pricepoints, the synergy of the components is not really considered. The price is more important to the manufacturers. On the other hand, once you've hit $1k, that synergy in active systems definitely matters.

The speakers listed are all very well-regarded. I'm not sure the end result between those and a passive setup, but I'm sure either will sound great. OP, it's your call.